Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Micromobility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves substitute to classify electric bikes by power and speed; preserves local control on trails
Summary
The Senate adopted a first substitute for SB121 establishing three speed-based classes of electric bicycles, clarifying pedal-assist definitions and allowing cities/counties to restrict Class 3 bikes on particular trails or roadways; the substitute passed and was ordered to third reading (22-3-4).
The Senate approved a first substitute for Senate Bill 121 to define electric bicycles into three classes based principally on speed and whether the motor assists only during pedaling. Sponsor remarks on the floor described the substitute as an industry-led clarification that recognizes advances in electric-bicycle technology while preserving local planning and zoning authority to restrict higher-speed Class 3 bikes in sensitive areas such as trails.
Senator Weiler (floor sponsor) explained that the bill distinguishes e-bikes that require pedaling from mopeds that run solely on power, and said the change should make the code consistent with new designs in which batteries are integrated into frames. The sponsor said the definitions were developed after industry input and allows cities and counties to limit Class 3 bikes on specific trails or roadways.
Senator Jenkins asked whether the measure treated electric bicycles essentially as bicycles; the sponsor agreed, noting the bill was brought by industry stakeholders and that some bikes can reach speeds exceeding 20 mph with pedal assist. The first substitute received a recorded vote and, according to the transcript, was ordered to third reading after a tally of 22 yay, 3 nay, and 4 absent.
Next steps: the substitute was placed on the third-reading calendar for final floor consideration.
